Sexual Education at School

Sexual Education at School is a voluntary project initiated by BeMSA and supported by International Centre for Reproductive Health and Sensoa. With this initiative, we aim to give adolescents access to reliable information about sexuality, including LGBTQ+ topics. Relationships, contraception, and STI prevention are also discussed. We strive to give young people the opportunity to make informed and individual decisions about their bodies and health in an accessible and educational way. In addition, we aim to break some of the existing myths surrounding these topics.
The SOS project is a form of peer education in which young people are supported in creating health-promoting behavioural change among other young people. This creates a lower threshold for discussing sensitive topics.

How?

As part of this project, we spend a morning or afternoon together with a class from the 2nd to the 6th year of secondary education. For this, we recruit teams of 2–3 medical students (or students from other medical or social sciences) at Ghent University who have previously received training. During our sessions, topics such as sexuality, puberty, relationships, consent, contraception, STIs, self-image, orientation, and more are discussed in an interactive way. Each session can be adapted to the wishes of the school.
Because of the small age difference between the students and adolescents, and the approachable way students interact with them, an open atmosphere can be created in which young people feel more comfortable discussing these topics and can take reliable information home with them. During the session, a question box also circulates, allowing students to ask questions anonymously.
Social media nowadays plays a major role, making it increasingly easy to obtain information online. However, it has also become more difficult to distinguish reliable from unreliable sources. Therefore, at the end of the session, we also introduce students to trustworthy information channels.

How to participate?

Does this project interest you? Do you feel comfortable speaking in front of a secondary school class, are you open-minded, and able to talk about sexuality without embarrassment? Do you see yourself as a motivated educator and would you like to contribute to our project?
Then be sure to attend one of our training sessions! You can find more information in our Facebook group or by emailing [lora@bemsa-gent.be](mailto:lora@bemsa-gent.be).

The Stigma Challenge

Every year, we organise the Stigma Challenge, an event through which we aim to break down and openly discuss a specific stigma related to sexuality.

World Aids Day

World AIDS Day takes place every year on December 1. It is an opportunity to unite people worldwide in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. On this occasion, SCORA also aims to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS among students.
That is why, on November 25, 2024, we are bringing together no fewer than 100 creative students at De Brug to paint together in support of HIV and AIDS awareness. Everyone creates their own interpretation of the red ribbon, the symbol of support for World AIDS Day. The artworks will then be displayed in frequently visited places throughout Ghent, such as libraries.
All proceeds from drink sales will be donated entirely to HIV research at Ghent University Hospital under the supervision of Linos Vandekerckhove.